How to Solo Travel in Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile (South America)

Puerto Natales is the nearest town to Torres del Paine National Park, serving mainly as a launching point for park exploration. While the park offers a lot, the town itself lacks much to explore. Unless you're heading to Torres del Paine, there's not much reason to stop here. Most people you'll meet are either gearing up for or returning from treks like the W-Trek or O-Trek.

When you think of "Patagonia," this park stands out as one of its premier destinations on the map. This guide shows you how to solo travel in Torres del Paine.

1. Booking your Trek

2. Tips for the Trek

3. Luxury Eco-Friendly Hotel in Torres del Paine

   (if desired to explore the park in a unique and boujee way)

4. Places to stay in Puerto Natales
   

1. Booking your Trek

As a solo traveler, I was fearful and unsure about how to plan, book, pack, and guide myself through this park. But I have exactly what you need to combat all those anxieties...If you are interested in doing the W-trek or O-trek, using this contact @HIKINPATAGONIA will save you ALL the hassle.

1. Contact this company, provide your desired dates, and they'll inform you about availability. Let them be the ones to explain how the park works, sleeping arrangements, and the way meals are handled. You select what suits your travel schedule best. Stay in the refugio each night for quality sleep.

2. The company handles all bookings from the first bus in till the last bus out. You won't need to arrange or plan anything on your own!

3. Enjoy a local rate through this company. Booking the trek independently could cost around USD 600–900 with shitty sleeping arrangements. I paid under $500 for everything, including accommodations in a refugio every night.

4. You will receive videos detailing the exact route you will take, packing essentials, and a day-to-day itinerary of what your ideal timing should look like.

5. Simply pick up an envelope containing everything and begin your trek the following day.

I did 3 nights and 4 days starting at Refugio Torre Central and ending at Lodge Paine Grande...Below are my tips!

2. Tips for the W-Trek

• Opt for Refugio Frances over Refugio Cuernos to balance your trekking days better, making the shortest day a bit longer and the longest day shorter.

• Make sure to visit Briticano Mirador; don't stop at the Mirador before. Remember, it's about smiles, not miles!

• Stay at the same hostel in Puerto Natales the day before and after the trek to simplify packing and unpacking. Leave the bulk of your belongings at the hostel to avoid hassle on the trek.

• Sleeping in a bed (refugio) every night versus a tent is highly advisable.

• Pack one outfit for nighttime to change into after showering. For day hikes, bring extra socks, underwear, and a spare shirt, especially if trekking in variable weather.

• Avoid purchasing included meals; they're pricey for the portions offered. Pack your own food from stores in Puerto Natales, focusing on lightweight, high-protein options. Utilize breakfast offerings at Refugios if needed.

• Expect no cell service on the trek; embrace the disconnect. Don't bother buying Wi-Fi; relish the mountain experience fully.

• Bring a windbreaker to combat strong winds.

• Use hiking poles for stability.

• Invest in sturdy, water-resistant hiking shoes like Salomon Goretex for river crossings and muddy terrain- ordinary gym shoes won't suffice.

• The water from streams and rivers is safe to drink and incredibly refreshing.

• Listen to your body's limits; don't push yourself excessively. If hikes become too strenuous, take it easy to prevent injuries.

• Indulge in a Patagonia beer on your final night as a well-deserved treat.

• I highly recommend booking a private room for the night after your hike, allowing you to unwind in complete comfort.

3. Luxury Eco-Friendly Hotel in Torres del Paine

Ecocamp: This luxurious hotel offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After three months of solo backpacking in Argentina and completing the W-Trek, I treated myself to this extraordinary retreat.

Ecocamp features the world's first geodesic domes, providing unparalleled comfort and service. With locally sourced ingredients, 3 meals included every day, daily welcome drinks, and excursions ranging from easy to challenging, it's a haven for adventure seekers. Each excursion is guided, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.

I opted for the Wildlife Safari, sharing a standard dome with another solo traveler and benefiting from a discounted rate. Guests of all ages are warmly welcomed, fostering a social and friendly atmosphere. The staff goes above and beyond, offering communal dining in the community dome, yoga sessions in the yoga dome, and customized massages in the massage dome. And the sunsets and starry nights? Simply breathtaking.

If you're seeking magic in Torres del Paine and have the budget to match, Ecocamp is the place to be. It provided me with the most rejuvenating, serene, and nourishing week of my life, amidst the mountains and without any distractions.

4. Places to stay in Puerto Natales

• YaganHouse: Absolutely adored this hostel! The breakfast spread was one of the best I had in Chile, featuring eggs, fruits, cereal, yogurt, milk, granola, and more. The cozy atmosphere made it a perfect spot to gear up for the hike, with equipment available for rent.

• Hostal Lili-Patagonicos: I spent two days here before starting my hike, then moved to YaganHouse.

  • This hostel serves as the pickup point for the trekking tickets and information if you're using the same company I did (@HIKINPATAGONIA). However, if you choose not to stay here, it's no issue - the town is quite compact.

Next stop: Puerto Varas via plane (from Puerto Natales) to Puerto Montt. From Puerto Montt, there is transportation to the city of Puerto Varas.

• FYI: Puerto Varas has no airport. Puerto Montt is the closest city with an airport.

Xoxo,

Chelsey